ARMED STRENGTH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25238, 29 May 1943, Page 6

ARMED STRENGTH

MILITARY DISPLAY AT BALCLUTHA For the first time in its history Balclutha was treated on Thursday afternoon to a military display that aroused keen interest. The crowd was a record one and lined the route the military force was to take long before the hour set for the commencement of the parade. The troops comprised an armoured regiment, and were under the command of Lieutenant-colonel W. R. Pigou, who recently arrived back from the Middle East, and the parade was composed of tanks and armoured v fighting vehicles, including the Valentine and General Stuart tanks and armoured scout cars. The manoeuvres were made as nearly akin to actual fighting as possible, and they certainly impressed the onlookers with the preparedness of the country to defend itself against an invader. The troops, which were completely mechanised and were preceded by motor cyclists, travelled along Clyde street to the bridge, and then along Glasgow street to the Coronation Park, and thence through the park to the demonstration area in the top reserve. The programme commenced with a demonstration by the General Stuart tank troop. The Stuart is a light tank made in America, and is very speedy. Then came a demonstration by the heavy Valentine tanks, made in Britain. The Valentine is what might be called a “ light heavy ” and is fully equipped with " ack-ack ” guns, in addition to other guns. It was anything but a skeleton force. A brief appearance by two aeroplanes lent further realism to the scene. Afterwards the tanks demonstrated wireless control. Then there was an inspection of the fighting vehicles by the public, and this was one of the most interesting episodes of the afternoon. The crews were very patient, and conveyed a favourable impression of the New Zealand fighting man on duty. The public had a good view of the whole proceedings, mostly from the high embankment separating the sports ground from the top reserve. The demonstration over, the troops were treated to' afternoon tea by the canteen section of the local W.W.S.A., and the hospitality thus extended was much appreciated. \